As part of efforts to secure Nigeria’s waterways from external aggressors, the Nigerian Navy says it will establish a naval base in the Kashimbilla community in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The move is to tame the rising spate of insecurity along the international waterways boundary between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon and to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

The Nigerian Navy stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Agbu Kefas at the T.Y. Danjuma Government House in Jalingo, the state capital.

The Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman, said the delegation was in Taraba State to conduct a survey of the Kashimbilla waterway as part of plans to establish a naval base.

He explained that the Kashimbilla River is of strategic importance because it hosts the Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Power Project, serves the area around the airport, and lies along the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Rear Admiral Mamman warned that unprotected waterways could pose significant security risks and described the proposed naval base as a long-overdue project that would strengthen security and protect critical national assets.

Kefas noted that the establishment of a Nigerian Navy base in the state will significantly strengthen security along its waterways, particularly around the Kashimbilla community in the Takum Local Government Area.

The governor commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for prioritising national security and expressed appreciation for the Navy’s commitment to expanding its presence in Taraba State. He noted that the Navy had already conducted an assessment for the proposed base, describing the initiative as timely and critical to safeguarding the state’s waterways.

According to him, beyond the river that forms part of the boundary between Taraba State and the Republic of Cameroon, several inland waterways could also be exploited by criminal elements if left unprotected. He stressed that a sustained naval presence would greatly enhance security in the state.

Governor Kefas further disclosed that the proposed naval base would not only improve surveillance and security but also provide training for residents to support security operations in collaboration with the Marine Police. He added that effective inter-agency cooperation remains essential in tackling insecurity. (Channels)

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